Mail

Mourning the death of Michael Landon (PEOPLE, July 15), readers wrote to express their gratitude for his ideals and his legacy of family entertainment. All agreed that the actor touched the lives of millions of people.

MICHAEL LANDON
In Hollywood, where violence, infidelity and greed are the pungent trio of most box office hits, Michael Landon was a breath of fresh air. And though somewhat small in stature, he nevertheless cast a long shadow. Who in Hollywood can fill his shoes?
ROGER K. GILLIS, Snellville, Ga.

I felt as if I had lost a member of my own family when I heard of Michael Landon's death. I had enormous respect for him. In this day of oft-times trashy television, Michael's emphasis on wholesome family entertainment was a refreshing and most needed change. You were a class act, Michael, both in front of the camera and behind it, as you played out your last scene. You left us all with wonderful memories.
BONNIE KNAUSS, Boulder, Colo.

His life's work showed us how to live; his final months taught us how to die. Thank you, Michael, for turning the "lemons" of your early life into lemonade, from which we all drank and were satisfied.
NAN HOGAN, Federal Way, Wash.

AMY GRANT
Any Christian who finds fault with Amy Grant for her switch to popular music should think again. In this day of obscene lyrics, crotch grabbing and dirty dancing, a lighthearted song is welcome in my book. As a Christian, I love her songs and videos, and I'm thankful for the exposure she has received from her success on contemporary charts. My 7-year-old daughter wants to wear a long curl over one eye. Finally, a role model I can live with!
KRISTY COLLINS, Franklin, Tenn.

With all the critical media directed at "pop princess" Amy Grant, it was refreshing to read such a down-to-earth portrayal of this charming entertainer. Not only does Amy lift a few eyebrows, she has also contributed to increased moral values of today's youth. Keep it up, Amy.
JANNA L. HORNER, Royal Oak, Mich.

The term Christian is sure used loosely these days. But I was truly appalled when someone who has the power to influence people positively, and whom I admired, lowered herself and her standards to proclaim that it's okay for "Christians to be sexy." The word Christian means "Christ-like." I cannot imagine Jesus wanting to be sexy, or his followers either. After all, He did instruct us to be "in the world" but not "of the world." Wake up, Amy, and realize the damage you are doing. Then choose which god you're going to serve.
RUTH WOLF, Kissimmee, Fla.

PASSAGES
Michael Landon's life and death were certainly worthy of your magazine's cover, but what about Lee Remick? She was one of our most talented yet overlooked actresses and, as Jack Lemmon said, "the embodiment of grace." Yet she rates only half a column in your magazine? Surely she deserved better.
JAMES D. WAGNER JR., Washington, D.C.

Because of time constraints, we were unable to publish a full-length story on Miss Remick until the following week.—ED.

PETE NORWOOD
It is a scare for everyone to think that AIDS can be transmitted through donated organs and tissue. But the people who died from AIDS-related causes from Pete Norwood's heart and kidneys did have a second chance at life, and the people who are HIV-positive still have a chance. I hope this incident will not discourage people from donating their organs. I had two liver transplants when I was 15 years old, and I thank God every day for this new chance at life. Being a donor can be the one gift everyone can give.
ROBIN RESCH, Long Valley, N.J.

I am a heart-transplant recipient. What your article failed to mention was that Pete Norwood could have received a transfusion of tainted blood while the health-care professionals were attempting to keep him alive. I find it ironic that almost concurrently with the news of the transplant problem, the American Red Cross announced a complete overhaul of their blood-testing procedures. Several thousand heart and liver patients die each year waiting for a transplant, due to lack of organs. Mrs. Rathbone and her son were sincerely attempting lo save someone's life and, as a result, have been severely criticized by some of the 98 percent of Americans who may die every year without trying to become an organ or tissue donor. Both Pete Norwood and his mother are heroes to me, since they made a supreme sacrifice in the name of love and tried to help someone live a better life.
JOHN M. GARRETT, Zanesville, Ohio

Your point about the Norwood family's generous intentions is well-taken, but Norwood did not receive transfusions following his fatal wounds.—ED.